Can You Say Busted? People Helping People, Pay It Forward

So, I kind of got busted in my own Pay It Forward People Helping People deal last week.

I was in Starbucks, and this couple in front of me was digging for money.  I asked them what they were doing, and they said they were looking for cash they knew they had to pay for their purchase.

I asked them if they minded me blessing them by paying for their purchase.  They were hesitant, and came up with the cash, but I persisted in asking, and they sweetly allowed me to pay for the purchases rung up on the register.  They graciously thanked me, and we had a very nice conversation while we awaited our drinks.  We never really introduced ourselves, but talked about our work, our kiddos, etc.  Their daughter's birthday was coming up.  It was a very pleasant interlude in a very busy day.  

On Sunday, ThatManILove and I were headed back home, and I was  shocked to see this message come up on my FB Chat: 

Steph: You saw my parents at Starbucks Thursday!! And blessed them by paying for their coffee.

Me: And how do you know that, missy?  They were beautiful people inside and out!  I just wanted to bless them!  I had no idea they were your parents!

Me:  I don't think I told them who I was?

Steph: You didn't, I put it together when they told me the story.

Me: AND I sure didn't know you were their daughter, I would have added a huge gift card from ThatManILove and I for them to give to you! 

Steph: You are too sweet. Well, they were truly blessed by your act of kindness. And enjoying your company for that short amount of time!

People, how cool is that?  It’s a small world.

Now, go love on somebody, will ya?

Because, you know, the smallest little things can make a difference in somebody's day.

I Saw A Feral Hog In Ben Wheeler, Texas

It was a crazy week last week for ThatJanieGirl.

I traveled to East Texas for the funeral of a cousin.

And I saw a lot of funny things.

I’m tired, but I have enjoyed tripping through small towns, and seeing lots of cool things.

Small towns are quirky.  They have their own type of charm, and their own type of crazy.  And I love them.

This sight, in Ben Wheeler, Texas, warranted a turn-around yesterday when en route to the airport.

And, of course, a picture. 

Of a bus.  Dressed up to look like a hog.

And then, of course, I had to check it all out.  This morning’s research reveals that Ben Wheeler, Texas, is the home of the following events:

The Fall Feral Hog Festival (October 25, 2014)

The World Championship Wild Hog Cookoff (October 24, 2014)

The Far Out Art Fest and June Bug Music Festival (June 21-22, 2014)

And…

The Fall Feral Hog Follies (October 25, 2014)

The town is also home to Moore’s Store, voted Best Live Music Venue by the County Line Magazine Readers!

In doing a little research, I found that most of this town’s revitalization was spurred on by a man named Brooks Gremmels.  What a way to transform a small town of 1000 people!  It is nothing less than amazing.

Mr. Gremmels has passed (read a cool story about him here) earlier this year, but this little town continues to grow and thrive.

It’s just quirky and eclectic enough that it’s going to warrant a “Further Investigation” trip by ThatManILove and I…so stay tuned.